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McPherson College Celebrates Class Of 2023 In Commencement Ceremony

Posted On: May 23, 2023
By: MC Admin
2023 MC Graduate Group Photo

McPherson College conferred Master of Education, Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of Science degrees to 171 students at the 135th Commencement Ceremony on Sunday, May 20, 2023, at McPherson Stadium.

Rod Gieselman, professor of business at McPherson College, was the commencement speaker. Professor Gieselman has taught in the MC business department for 20 years. Students in his investments course manage a portion of the college’s endowment that consistently out-earns market averages and has grown from an initial $200,000 to $550,000. In his address, he encouraged the Class of 2023 to continue developing.

“Every day going forward, you will continue to develop who you are, your perspectives, beliefs, empathy, and character,” he said. “The process of becoming a whole person is a lifelong process. Hopefully, McPherson College has pushed you to continue developing in a positive direction.”

Olivia Smith, the senior class representative, and Professor Vicki Schmidt, associate professor of education, also addressed the class.

The commencement ceremony concluded with Dr. Michael Schneider, president of McPherson College, who thanked for the students for making it a great day to be a Bulldog.

“As you scatter out into the world, remember your degree is a milestone but just the beginning of the expectations you have now as a graduate of McPherson College,” he said. “This campus will change over the next several years but don’t forget to come home.”

Names of the graduating class of 2023 and the commencement video can be found at: www.mcpherson.edu/graduation.

McPherson College Is First Kansas College To Make The Green Chemistry Commitment

Posted On: May 16, 2023
By: MC Admin
Manjula Koralegedara, professor of chemistry, with MC students.

Green Chemistry Commitment Signer

McPherson College became the first college in Kansas to adopt the Green Chemistry Commitment by registering with Beyond Benign, the official partner of the American Chemical Society’s Green Chemistry Institute. The Green Chemistry Commitment is a program for colleges and universities that supports educators and students to approach chemistry from a green perspective to solve problems in the 21st century.

Manjula Koralegedara, professor of chemistry, began introducing green chemistry practices to McPherson College in 2014 after attending a workshop at the University of Oregon organized by the American Chemical Society’s Green Chemistry Institute.

“The concepts clicked with me,” Professor Koralegedara said. “Usually, we only hear about chemicals when they are associated with bad events, but in reality, we can’t live without chemical products. Green chemistry explores how we can achieve the same results while reducing or eliminating the use of hazardous substances. Early integration of green chemistry concepts into college curriculum prepares students for the future and gives our graduates an advantage when looking into careers.”

Green chemistry is the design of chemical products and processes that reduce and or eliminate the use or generation of hazardous substances. This approach requires an open and interdisciplinary view of material and product design, applying the principle that it is better to consider waste and hazard prevention options during the design and development phase rather than disposing, treating, and handling waste and hazardous chemicals after a process or material has been developed.

Implementing green practices has had an overall positive impact on the natural science program, according to Dr. Jonathan Frye, professor of natural science and chair of the department. Waste disposal costs and water usage have been reduced, and students are becoming more conscious of their actions beyond the classroom. The natural science program has also incorporated green chemistry into its curriculum.

“As I teach the principles of green chemistry, I have seen students change their habits,” Koralegedara said. “From something as simple as using a metal water bottle instead of single-use plastic bottles shows they are conscious about what they are doing and the impact it has on our environment.”

Green chemistry involves using 12 principles to thoughtfully design and implement chemical products and processes to minimize hazardous waste and use more benign methodologies. It focuses on the environmental impact along with the economic and societal implications of the practices implemented in labs.

“It’s a relatively new concept but catching on quickly,” Koralegedara said. “The chemical industry is changing and implementing green chemistry more and wants employees with that knowledge.”

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment of environmental scientists and specialists is projected to grow five percent by 2031, with 7,800 openings for environmental scientists and specialists on average each year.

While Professor Koralegedara is pleased with the results of green chemistry processes in the natural science program, she would like to support efforts campuswide. She is considering how other programs could implement some of the practices. She is a member of the American Chemical Society and is the chair-elect for the Wichita local section.

Beyond Benign administers and supports the Green Chemistry Commitment and provides annual feedback and support from leading scientists and industry partners in the field to all participating institutions. By signing the Green Chemistry Commitment, McPherson College joins a consortium of 120 other colleges and universities worldwide.

Dr. Matt Skillen Joins McPherson College As Assistant Provost And Dean Of Faculty

Posted On: May 8, 2023
By: MC Admin
Dr. Matt Skillen, assistant provost and dean of faculty

Dr. Matt Skillen, assistant provost and dean of faculty

McPherson College announces Dr. Matt Skillen will join the college as assistant provost and dean of faculty. In this position, Dr. Skillen will work closely with the provost and others on campus to align academic priorities with the college’s strategic plan, Community by Design 2.0.

“It is an honor to be named the assistant provost and dean of faculty at McPherson College,” Dr. Skillen said. “My family and I are excited to join the McPherson community, and I look forward to working alongside my new colleagues.”

Dr. Skillen has served in various roles at Elizabethtown College for the last 14 years. In his current role as the R.W. Schlosser Professor of English and the Dean of Faculty and Associate Provost for Student Learning, he has championed faculty development and continuous professional growth. He has also supported programs that advance student learning, like the first-year experience, second-year program, the Core general education program, and Momentum – Etown’s bridge experience for first-generation college students. He has dedicated himself to truly transformational educational experiences and improving conditions for teaching, learning, and ongoing professional growth throughout his career.

“Dr. Skillen brings to this role an enthusiasm for teaching and learning,” said Amanda Gutierrez, provost and executive vice president. “His creative and relational style will be a great asset to our campus community. I am excited to work with him and to welcome his family to McPherson.”

Previously at Elizabethtown College, Dr. Skillen served as a professor in the English department, director of the English education program, department chair for the English and communications departments, and director of the Etown College Teaching and Learning Design Studio. Before his employment at Etown, he served as a classroom teacher for Maize USD 266 in Maize, Kan., and as a graduate teaching assistant at Kansas State University.

He is married to Rebekah Skillen, a registered nurse and certified childbirth educator. They have two children.

McPherson College Announces New Director Of Choral Activities

Posted On: May 5, 2023
By: MC Admin
Andrew Voth, new director of choral activities and assistant professor of music.

Andrew Voth, new director of choral activities and assistant professor of music.

McPherson College announces Andrew Voth will join the faculty as the new director of choral activities and assistant professor of music. He previously taught middle school and high school choir in Goessel, Kan., and is currently completing a Doctor of Musical Arts in Choral Conducting at the University of Wisconsin-Madison.

“I am excited to get back to Kansas and start making music with the students at McPherson College,” Voth said. “Music can be an incredibly important part of the college experience, and I am excited to help current and future Bulldogs create lasting memories and life-long musical skills. This is truly a dream come true for me.”

While completing his graduate studies, Voth has served as a teacher assistant for the choral department by leading the University Chorus and Masters Singers and as assistant conductor in the Chorale Lab Choir and Madrigal Singers. He also oversaw pre-service teachers in their practicum and student teaching experiences. His current research focuses on providing teachers with resources to create more accessible choral classrooms by integrating a cultural model of disability and culturally responsive teaching.

“We are eager to welcome Andrew to McPherson College,” said Amanda Gutierrez, provost. “Our students responded to his energy and expertise when he visited campus. He will be a great addition to the MC performing arts program.”

Voth earned a Bachelor of Arts in Music Degree with education licensure from Bethel College in 2013 and a Master of Music in Choral Conducting from the University of Wisconsin-Madison in 2020. His other professional experience includes serving as assistant conductor and soloist for the Kansas Mennonite Men’s Chorus, an ensemble of approximately 200 that performs two concerts each year to raise money for the Mennonite Central Committee. He was also choir director at Grace Hill Mennonite Church in Whitewater, Kan., and Lorraine Avenue Mennonite church in Wichita.

MC Recognizes Students at Awards Convocation

Posted On: May 4, 2023
By: MC Admin
Prof Kyle Hopkins with MC Who's Who Students

McPherson College recognized the academic and leadership achievements of students, faculty and staff at the Annual Awards Convocation on Wednesday, May 3 in Brown Auditorium.

Recipients were as follows:

Athletics

  • Female Scholar-athlete of the Year – Georgia Hitchcock
  • Male Scholar-athlete of the Year – Trey Murphy

Technology Department – Auto Restoration

  • Julian “Pop Rice Award – Colby Marshall
  • Paul Russell Award for Excellence – Matthew Kroeker

Business

  • Outstanding Business Students – Meghan Smith & Luis Rodriguez

Curriculum & Instruction

  • Model Educator Award – Georgia Hitchcock & Kurt Golubski
  • Teacher of Promise Award – Alexis Gratten & Kassidy Weaver

History & Politics

  • Leland L. Lengel Memorial Scholarship – Breanna Morck & Cooper Koestel
  • Marvin and Doreen Will Memorial Scholarship – Kurtis Ebling & Tavian Gray
  • Outstanding Senior Thesis – Kento Saiki
  • Phi Alpha Theta National Historians Honor Society: Kento Saiki, Kurtis Ebling, Breanna Morck, Cooper Koestel, Kurt Golubski, Palmer Moe, Ben Weibe, Sarah Ewing

Natural Science

  • Burkholder Research Award – Olivia Smith
  • Merit Research Award – Bethany Ice, Nathan Saffer, Annie Weesner
  • Chemistry Achievement Award – Phillip Schieffelin & Katelyn Huddle
  • Biology Achievement Award – Phillip Schieffelin
  • Presented Undergraduate Research at the Kansas Academy of Sciences – Olivia Smith (1st place, Oral Presentations), Austin Apple, Nathan Saffer, Annie Weesner

Behavioral Sciences

  • Outstanding Behavioral Sciences Student Award – Kennedy Johnson
  • Outstanding Behavioral Sciences Senior Research Award – Peyton Lindsey
  • Outstanding Behavioral Sciences Student Award – Caleb Feuerstake

Art & Design

  • Five-State Photo Competition & Exhibition – Dane Kudera, Cameron Wright, Ryan Tate, Lindzie Archer, Nick Wilson, Susanne Cunningham, Chloe Jones, Eliseo Silva, Dashawn Holliman (each had one or more photos selected for the show), Maria Miranda (three photos in the show and received 3rd place)
  • AIGA Wichita Student Portfolio Forum – Mackenzie Unruh, Cheneal Benne, Eliseo Silva, Sylvia Ko
  • Art & Design Students of the Year – Dashawn Holliman

Physical Education

  • Department of Health and Sports Studies Award for Outstanding Graduate – Amanda Ambrosy, Bailey Avila, Brandt Johnson, Lasheicka Joseph, Kendra Maples

Who’s Who in the McPherson College Class of 2023

  • Kaylie Akiona, Cheneal Benne, Alexis Gratten, Georgia Hitchcock, Spencer Ice, Bethany Ice, Matthew Kroeker, Luis Rodriguez, Meghan Smith, Olivia Smith, Grace van Asselt, Annie Weesner

Professor of the Year – Dr. Allan van Asselt, professor of chemistry

Staff Person of the Year – Brian Martin, director of auto restoration projects

Student Government Association

  • Olivia Smith, SGA president
  • Taylor Bohannon, SGA president-elect

 

Two McPherson College Students Receive KICF Scholarships

Posted On: May 1, 2023
By: MC Admin
MC student Cassandra Carmichael

Cassandra Carmichael

Two McPherson College students received scholarships from The Kansas Independent College Foundation (KICF), celebrating the diverse and talented student community committed to excellence, virtue, and integrity. Cassandra Carmichael was awarded a First Generation Scholarship, and Heather Hudson was awarded a Future Leaders in Education Scholarship.

The Kansas Independent College Foundation received over 70 nominations for the annual merit-based scholarships. A volunteer panel of nine judges helped select the 21 winners, who represent seven of the KICF’s 21-member schools. Each nominee was asked to submit a detailed essay about their leadership training, future career goals, and why they chose an independent option for their higher education.

MC student Heather Hudson

Heather Hudson

“We believe that everyone deserves the opportunity to learn, grow, and achieve their goals, regardless of their background or circumstances,” said Matt Lindsey, KICF president. “Kansas will succeed when it supports all students, including adult learners, veterans, teachers, parents, and more. These scholarships are our contribution to that success.”

Carmichael, an automotive restoration student from Raleigh, N.C., was among five other students receiving a First Generational Scholarship for $1,000, and Hudson, an elementary education major from Greenville, Texas, was one of two students receiving the Future Leaders in Education Scholarship for $750.

McPherson College Announces Honor Roll, Honorable Mention for Fall 2022

Posted On: December 20, 2022
By: MC Admin

McPherson College recognizes its highest academic achievers in the fall 2022 Honor Roll and Honorable Mention. Students must be full-time and earn a grade point average of 3.55 or higher during the last term to qualify for the Honor Roll. Students earning a grade point average from 3.25 to 3.54 are named to the Honorable Mention Roll.

Students named to the McPherson College Honor Roll for fall 2022 include:

Mattis Ahlgrimm, Lichtenstein, Saxony, Germany
Natalia Ahrens, Lees Summit, MO
Kaylie Akiona, Kaaawa, HI
Wyatt Allen, Topeka, KS
Amanda Ambrosy, Haslet, TX
Carter Anglin, Louisburg, KS
Lindzie Archer, McPherson, KS
Sarah Asher, Kansas City, MO
Robert Aurner, Topeka, KS
Bailey Avila, Corinth, TX
Diezel Balko, Crawford, CO
Rebekah Ballast, Oskaloosa, KS
Leia Barnes, Hutchinson, KS
Darril Baty, Sharpsville, IN
Tori Beeson, Wichita, KS
Michael Beltran Rubio, Bogota, Cundinamarca, Colombia
Cheneal Benne, Courtland, KS
Jakob Betzing, Glienicke/Nordbahn, Bran, Germany
Caden Beurkens, Byron Center, MI
Caeley Billings, Gardner, KS
Mia Birkes, McPherson, KS
Alexander Blossom, Mooresville, NC
Maelynne Bonner, Tonganoxie, KS
Lucy Bowman, McPherson, KS
Isabella Bradley, McPherson, KS
Tate Brewer, McPherson, KS
Kaelan Brockway, Salina, KS
Maggie Brown, Wallace, KS
Maxwell Brucks, Columbia, MO
Edwin Buiter, Ireton, IA
Fabian Camacho, Liberal, KS
Anthony Campanelli, Kenilworth, NJ
Jacob Campbell-Roberson, Nyack, NY
James Canar, Longmont, CO
Kaci Chadwick, Cheyenne Wells, CO
Joe Chapman, Roeland Park, KS
Taehyun Choi, East Meadow, NY
Tate Clem, Wichita, KS
Brandon Clifford, Carlisle, PA
Cole Coggins, Kiowa, KS
Ander Compere, West Park, FL
Daniel Connell, High Peak, Derbyshire, England
Mason Cox, Boerne, TX
Susanne Cunningham, Chanute, KS
Moriah Delgado, Saginaw, TX
Martin Delgado Agudelo, Bogota, Capital District, Colombia
Katie Dix, McPherson, KS
Dyron Dixon, Leander, TX
Madison Dobson, McPherson, KS
Darcy Dodd, Umbarger, TX
Noah Durham, Winona, MS
Kurtis Ebling, Lindsborg, KS
Harley Ferralez, Hesston, KS
Nathanael Fetters, Whitewright, TX
Caleb Feuerstake, Waterdown, Canada
Heidi Fischer, Aledo, TX
Elias Freed, Crested Butte, CO
Ryan Frerich, Lincoln, NE
Thomas Frick, Carefree, AZ
Hayden Fry, Cushing, OK
Koen Gakstatter, Stilwell, KS
Kaleb Gaona, Lubbock, TX
Naomi Campbell Gateka, Ouagadougou, Congo
Martin Gentes, Florence, MA
Mya Gildon, Mounds, OK
Johannes Glymour, Manhattan, KS
Kurt Golubski, Paola, KS
Conrad Gramckow, Ojai, CA
Graedon Green, McPherson, KS
Nathan Hall, Windsor, NY
Caden Hardgrave, McPherson, KS
Jake Hardin, Derby, KS
Zachary Hawley, Meade, KS
Addie Heitschmidt, Lindsborg, KS
Derika Helms, Inman, KS
Rachael Hendricks, McPherson, KS
Lola Hipp, Goodland, KS
Vanessa Hofer, Innsbruck, Tyrol, Australia
Kelly Hoffman, Wysox, PA
Alexander Holmes, Topeka, KS
Lauren Houston, Sugar Land, TX
Tabansi Howes, San Antonio, TX
Katelyn Huddle, McPherson, KS
Heather Hudson, Greenville, TX
Adam Hughes, Newman Lake, WA
Spencer Ice, Cameron, MO
Shelley Jobe, Hanford, CA
Kennedy Johnson, Colorado Springs, CO
Jordyn Johnson, Lakewood, CO
Laheerah Joseph, West Palm Beach, FL
Lasheicka Joseph, West Palm Beach, FL
Fabrice Kambale Wa Kahala, Florence, AL
Gracia Kasongo, Lubumbashi, Zaire
Andrew Kemp, Smyrna, GA
Kamal Kennedy, Arlington, TX
Brysen Kerby, Big Spring, TX
Summer Kirkman, Walnut, MS
Raegan Kleppe, Durant, OK
Sylvia Ko, McPherson, KS
Stephanie Ko, McPherson, KS
Jacob Koehn, Wichita, KS
Cooper Koestel, Hutchinson, KS
Christa Kondziola, North Newton, KS
Ty Kraemer, Mcpherson, KS
Dane Kudera, Baggs, WY
Cody Kuss, Bremerton, WA
Carlos Leandry Laureano, Byamon, Puerto Rico
Ryan Lee, Omaha, NE
Peyton Lindsey, Prairie Village, KS
Delani List, Shawnee Mission, KS
Brandon Lockett, Carrolton, TX
Gabrielle Lopez, Wichita, KS
Rhyan Lucas, Overland Park, KS
Lauren Machado, Elizabeth, CO
Alih Magana, Hutchinson, KS
Jimmy Mai, Gainesville, GA
Thomas Mancuso, Lititz, PA
Kael Markham, Topeka, KS
Gabrielle Martin, Norman, OK
Becky Masengu, Randburg, Gauteng, South Africa
Christian Maxey, Damascus, OR
Kenya McCain, Plano, TX
Evan McGoldrick, Flower Mound, TX
Ellery McMurry, Greensburg, KS
Ally Miller, Havana, KS
Noah Miller, Chanhassen, MN
Maria Miranda, Great Bend, KS
Ezra Monroe, Melissa, TX
Ethan Montalvo, La Feria, TX
Jayla Moore, Forney, TX
Meghan Morris, Burleson, TX
Elijah Muehler, McPherson, KS
Trey Murphy, Wagga Wagga, Australia
Cash Nab, Fleming, CO
Arthur Nardy, Eauze, Midi-Pyrenees, France
Marcus Nardy, Eauze, Midi-Pyrenees, France
Graham Noblett, Fairport, NY
Kamryn Nolan, Mulvane, KS
Tyler Norris, Arvada, CO
Veronica Orlans, McPherson, KS
Hunter Ormond, West Palm Beach, FL
Kayla Ortiz, Brownsville, TX
Ashlee Oster, Wichita, KS
Haven Ousley, Camden, MS
Melia Palmejar, San Antonio, TX
Daniel Paul, Bakersfield, CA
James Pawlak, Palatine, IL
Emily Peterson, Canton, KS
Aidan Pham, Frisco, TX
Abriana Phipps, Humble, TX
Sierra Portenier, Phillipsburg, KS
Jeremy Porter, Seneca Falls, NY
Brianna Powers, Adel, IA
Kennan Puckett, Mesquite, TX
Robert Ramberg, Topeka, KS
Kyle Ramey, McPherson, KS
Laurenz Ries, Oglesby, Germany
Gregorio Rivera, McPherson, KS
Amari Robb, Folsom, CA
Luis Rodriguez Jr., The Colony, TX
Devin Roff, Comstock, WI
Frank Romanaggi, Portland, OR
Daniel Rowlett, Gustine, CA
Claudia Russe, Frsco, TX
Briana Ruth, McPherson, KS
Camila Sanchez, Bradenton, FL
Gustavo Sanchez, Hidalgo, TX
Alexia Sandoval, Rocky Ford, CO
Philip Schieffelin, Limon, CO
Robert Schonberner, Omaha, NE
Alexander Schoneweis, Lincoln, NE
Logan Scott, Caulfield, MO
Emily Segura, North Las Vegas, NV
Madison Servaes, McPherson, KS
Teegan Shepard, Perkins, OK
Austin Siegal, Panama City, FL
Eliseo Silva, Sterling, KS
Lauren Skinner, Fate, TX
Brooklyn Skinner, Jenks, OK
Hannah Smalley, Hutchinson, KS
Meghan Smith, Lindsborg, KS
Riley Sojka, Wichita, KS
Taylor Starr, Ness City, KS
Joseph Stefanese, Rockaway, NJ
Mason Stephens, Forney, TX
Cambre Strange, McPherson, KS
Colby Swift, Sedgwick, KS
Blake Swingle, Kalispell, MT
Tristan Szabo, Sparks, NV
Khanhvy Ta, Wichita, KS
Jonathan Tatum, Ore City, TX
Thomas Tencer, Humble, TX
Reagan Thai, Las Vegas, NV
Grant Thimmesch, Inman, KS
Kelcie Turner, Park City, KS
Mackenzie Unruh, Hesston, KS
Grace van Asselt, McPherson, KS
Isaiah Vazquez, Montebello, CA
Dalton Vogts, Moundridge, KS
Courtney Ward, Venus, TX
Joshua Warner, Milan, MI
Antonio Watson, Oklahoma City, OK
Kassidy Weaver, Katy, TX
Benjamin Weekly, Bishop’s Stortford, England
John Wells II, Newton, KS
Kinzye Whitehead, Fort Scott, KS
Matthew Whitney, McPherson, KS
Kylie Willis, Huffman, TX
Luca Winterton, Thunderidge, United Kingdom
Alexis Wolfe, Alma, NE
Amber Wood, Arlington, TX
Cameron Wright, Denison, TX
Val Zarkh, Hawthorn Wds, IL

 

Students named to the McPherson College Honorable Mention for fall 2022 include:

Nathan Addis, Hutchinson, KS
Niraj Adhikari, Austin, TX
Nicholas Amos, Simpsonville, SC
Daniela Arellanes, Lewisville, TX
Alexis Baylor, Plano, TX
Adam Benalcazar, Phoenix, MD
Samantha Bennett, North Richland Hills, TX
Kevine Bondo, McPherson, KS
Samuel Box, Macclesfield, England
Felix Bravo, Hanford, CA
Owen Braxmeyer, Manhattan, KS
Zachary Bredfield, Heppner, OR
Raegin Bromenshenkel, Phoenix, AZ
Oscar Brouwer, Groningen, Netherlands
Nathan Brown, Concordia, KS
Christian Brown, Melissa, TX
Tristen Brown, Conroe, TX
Caden Bush, Watkinsville, GA
Jesse Cammisano, Pleasant Hill, MO
Tanner Campbell, Moore, OK
Hayden Casey, Sapulpa, OK
Cory Chairs, Memphis, TN
Katherine Corrigan, Phoenix, AZ
Aaron Cyrus, Carrollton, TX
Brayton Dewell, Fowler, KS
Wendy Diaz, McPherson, KS
Zachary Dittert, Newton, KS
Jaxon Douthit, Shawnee, OK
Jonathan Edmunds, Fresno, CA
Hudson Edwards, Andale, KS
Mackenzie Egan, Vandreuil Dorion, QC, Canada
Joseph Ellison, Mississauga, ON, Canada
Aaron Elvin-Temple, Lindsborg, KS
Dayjsha Fanning, Bel Aire, KS
Jasper Fedders, Sioux Center, IA
Baxter Ferguson, Houston, TX
Alexandra Foley, Lakewood, CO
Hayden Foster, Little Elm, TX
Cameron Fouts, Eddy, TX
Lauren Fuksa, Andover, KS
Summer Garcia, Ontario, CA
Sarah Georgiou, Hesston, KS
Zachary Gerber, Los Gatos, CA
Amanda Goering, Hutchinson, KS
Samuel Grim, Johnstown, CO
Kiara Hawkins, Robstown, TX
Emma Heglin, Syracuse, KS
Bailey Hulce, Baldwin City, KS
Noah Huls, Aurora, NE
Zoe Jerke, Great Bend, KS
Kadee Johnson, Groveton, TX
Brandt Johnson, Peyton, CO
DeAngelo Johnson, Oklahoma City, OK
Eli Jordan, Claremore, OK
Aidan Klaas, Somerset, WI
Kane Kolar, West, TX
Andrew Laird, Charlotte, NC
Alyssa Lambert, Wichita, KS
Aumario Landrum, Wichita, KS
Toby Leffew, American Fork, UT
Madison Logan, Driftwood, TX
Tyler Loy, Topeka, KS
Phebe Lyne, Barnard, KS
Campbell Lyons, Whitby, ON, Canada
Mark MacDougall, Manhattan, KS
Blake Maddock, Oakdale, CA
Tyler Marcum, Missouri Valley, IA
Lucas McAlister, Noblesville, IN
Killian McDonald, Topeka, KS
Celeste McMillen, Kittanning, PA
NhlakaniphoMethula, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa
Drake Miller, Rupert, ID
ChristopherMiller, West Milton, OH
Meghan Monroe, McPherson, KS
Katelyn Moore, Douglass, KS
Breanna Morck, Mount Hope, KS
Matisyn Moses, Scott City, KS
Peniel Mpoyi, Lubumbashi, Congo
Simon Mulumba Mukadi, Kinshasa, Congo
Michel Mwengwe, Lubumbashi, Congo
Tyler Natkin, Warrington, PA
Jeremiah Naylor, Heber, CA
Fabio Nickel, North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany
Alexandrea Pak, Pulyallup, WA
Carissa Peters, Frisco, TX
Jacquiline Pfautz, Andover, MN
Arriyonn Phillips, Matteson, IL
Carly Pomrenke, Brighton, CO
Alvin Poole, Houston, TX
Samuel Povod, Erie, PA
David Rees, Gisborne VIC, Australia
Parker Roberts, Carbondale, KS
Ryan Robertson, Ordway, CO
Gillian Rodgers, Justin, TX
Olivia Rodriguez, McPherson, KS
Curtis Rose, Midwest City, OK
Nathan Ruble, Memphis, TN
Draven Ruiz, Carmel, NY
Aidan Salazar, Laredo, TX
Natalia Salto, Cimarron, KS
Brandi Satterfield, Bellevue, NE
Andrew Schaefer, Sag Harbor, NY
Robert Schmidt, Litchfield Park, AZ
Dustin Schnacker, Tulare, CA
Jose Serrano, Stockton, CA
Gerod Shaffer, Topeka, KS
Zachary Sill, Platte City, MO
Hannah Simmons, Stafford, KS
Ernest Skehan, Waynesboro, PA
Darren Slatter, Hallettsville, TX
Ross Smith, Panama City, FL
Liam Spaw, Golden, CO
Emma Speer, Cedar Vale, KS
Rebecca Steffen, Vinton, IA
Oliver Stout, Sandusky, OH
Gabriel Stratta, Bryan, TX
Philip Swank, Pomona, KS
Katelynn Swindall, Tulsa, OK
Ryan Tate, Denton, TX
Eludie Tsasa Nsunda, Kinshasa-Ngaliema, Congo
Alexander Van Patten, Phillipsburg, KS
Jewelissa VanMeter, McPherson, KS
Hannah Wagner, San Antonio, TX
Lacy Weaver, Midlothian, TX
Ethan Weinhoffer, Hesston, KS
Nicholas Wilson, Hutchinson, KS
Camden Wiseman, Overland Park, KS
Megan Wright, Woodbridge, CA
Collin Young, Garland, TX

McPherson College Student Recognized In NextGen Under 30 Program

Posted On: December 5, 2022
By: MC Admin

MC student Emma SpeerMcPherson College student Emma Speer was among the inaugural class of the NextGen Under 30 recognized at an awards ceremony in Topeka on Dec. 2. NextGen Under 30 is a recognition program developed by the Kansas legislature that celebrates the talent cultivated in Kansas to keep young professionals in the state.

Speer was selected from the sports and outdoors nomination category. She is a senior from Cedar Vale, Kan., and plans to graduate in May with a degree in sociology, then pursue a master’s degree in social work. She is also a member of the Bulldog shotgun sports team.

“Receiving this award shows that people are aware of your passions and achievements,” Speer said. “This award isn’t just a symbol of one’s achievements, but a symbol of the dedication and passion they have to create new opportunities in Kansas and influence future generations.”

In addition to the awards ceremony, Governor Laura Kelly and Lieutenant Governor David Toland hosted the winners at a Day at the Capitol in October.

“The NextGen Under 30 experience has been amazing,” Speer said. “It allowed me to learn about the careers and passions of other young individuals around the state. Listening to successful Kansas residents and their inspiring stories was very eye-opening.”

The NextGen Under 30 program encourages the next generation of innovative, creative, and inspiring individuals who push the boundaries in various categories or endeavors. Award winners were selected based on their participation and contribution to their communities. A panel of business and civic leaders served as judges.

“Recognizing exceptional individuals in Kansas is essential to the success of our state and the future of our economy,” said Lieutenant Governor and Secretary of Commerce Toland.

McPherson College Announces Teaching Awards

Posted On: October 17, 2022
By: MC Admin

McPherson College announces the recipients of the 2022-23 Teaching Awards. The college presents the awards yearly at the annual Honors Convocation to one tenured and one non-tenured faculty member. This year’s recipients are Dr. Kim Stanley and Dr. Amanda Yamaski.

A committee of three students and last year’s teaching award recipients reviewed nominations in each category from students and faculty colleagues to select this year’s honorees. Thanks to the foresight and generosity of Thelma Kightlinger, the college enjoys the benefits of an endowed faculty development fund, which provides a modest honorarium for these awards.

The committee selected Dr. Kim Stanley, professor and chair of modern languages, for the tenured award. Dr. Stanley was recognized for her commitment to the college’s mission of scholarship, participation, and service in all that she does. She was nominated for her skill as an educator and for supporting students and the institution. Dr. Stanley is a respected leader on campus and is known for her thoughtful, creative, and balanced approach to projects. She has served as department chair, program reviewer, accreditation committee member, and Horizon Fund Award team.

“Her work in and out of the classroom is guided by a clear set of principles that every student should develop the capacity to read and understand the stories of others, even when, or maybe especially when, those stories differ from their own,” said Amanda Gutierrez, provost, in recognizing Dr. Stanley.

Dr. Yamasaki, assistant professor of biology, was selected for the non-tenured award. She was nominated for her enthusiasm in the classroom and the high priority she places on both students’ academic development and personal well-being. In the classroom, Dr. Yamasaki is known for teaching challenging subject matter, finding creative methods to engage students, and helping them connect to the content in meaningful and lasting ways. She extends her support beyond the classroom to offer encouragement whether it’s study strategies or advice on life. One comment from her nomination said, “no matter how rough the rest of my week has been, I always leave class invigorated!”

Kansas Community Colleges and Kansas Independent Colleges Sign Universal Transfer Agreement

Posted On: September 21, 2022
By: MC Admin

From the Kansas Independent College Association.

Student transfer opportunities expanded today after the Kansas Community Colleges and Kansas Independent Colleges announced initiation of a Global Transfer and Course Articulation Agreement that paves the way for students to seamlessly transfer from any Kansas Community College to any Kansas non-profit college or university. After the implementation of the agreement, any student awarded an Associate of Arts (A.A.) or Associate of Science (A.S.) from a Kansas Community College shall be deemed as having fulfilled the general education requirements of their choice of any Kansas Independent Institution. This consistent coordination and ease of transfer will help ensure students graduate on time, with less cost, and with the goal of keeping these students in Kansas.

“Across the country, debate rages on about college access and affordability,” said Kansas Independent College Association President Matthew Lindsey. “We believe that KICA and KACCT have developed a forward-thinking and sustainable resource to demonstrate to Kansas families and taxpayers we are leading the way.”

This new transfer agreement was formally adopted during a signing ceremony on Tuesday, September 20th at 2:30pm at Friends University in Wichita, following a joint discussion by presidents from both the Kansas Community Colleges and Kansas Independent Colleges on current and future opportunities to serve students better.

Kansas Association of Community College’s Executive Director Heather Morgan praised the partnership, noting “The benefits of the new transfer agreement, the student opportunities it provides, and the potential for additional partnerships to benefit Kansas students reflects the synergy that we need in higher education. We’re working to meet the needs of Kansas learners and this transfer agreement is a key link to ongoing student success and advancement.”

Dr. Michael Schneider is President of McPherson College and Chair of the KICA Board of Directors, celebrates the event by saying, “The spirit of innovation and the road to success intersect at the passion of a Kansas student. The agreement we signed today is the preamble to the new stories of enterprise that our students will write.”

Kansas leaders understand and hold strong to the quantitative proof that higher education leads to an improved quality of life for students, their families, and their communities. A positive experience while in college in Kansas leads to more students living and working in Kansas, a benefit to the entire state.

Today, more than half of Kansas college students attend one of the state’s 19 community colleges or 1 of the 20 Independent Institutions.